Introduction
The Thailand Biennale is a government-initiated international contemporary art exhibition, organized by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) under Thailand's Ministry of Culture. Launched in 2018, it serves as Thailand's leading international event for contemporary art and has a unique nomadic approach, with each edition taking place in a different province throughout the country.
Unlike traditional biennales that focus on urban centers and conventional gallery spaces, the Thailand Biennale embraces site-specificity, utilizing natural landscapes, historical sites, and urban locations as exhibition venues. This distinctive format allows for the creation of artwork that directly engages with local contexts, fostering dialogues between international contemporary art practices and Thailand's diverse regional cultures and environments.
By rotating between different provinces for each edition, the Thailand Biennale aims to decentralize artistic activities from Bangkok, revitalize local cultural resources, and promote cultural tourism throughout the country. The biennale also functions as a platform for cultural exchange between Thai and international artists, contributing to Thailand's position in the global contemporary art landscape.
Editions & Themes
Each edition of the Thailand Biennale embraces a new location and theme that responds to the specific geographical, historical, and cultural context of its host province. The curatorial approach typically involves extensive research into local histories, ecological systems, and cultural practices, creating frameworks that invite artists to engage deeply with the uniqueness of each setting.
The biennale commissions artists to create site-specific works that are installed in venues ranging from coastal beaches and national parks to ancient temples and community spaces. This place-responsive strategy emphasizes the relationships between contemporary art, the environment, and everyday life, encouraging visitors to experience both art and local landscapes in new and meaningful ways.
Krabi 2018: Edge of the Wonderland
The inaugural edition took place along the stunning natural landscapes of Krabi province, transforming beaches, caves, waterfalls, and islands into open-air galleries that explored the relationship between art, nature, and mythology.
Korat 2021: Butterflies Frolicking on the Mud
Held in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), this edition explored "sensible capital" across sites like the Phimai Historical Park, Korat Zoo, and local museums, examining human and non-human relationships in post-pandemic times.
Chiang Rai 2023: The Open World
The third edition spans Chiang Rai city and the Golden Triangle area, drawing inspiration from Buddha's "open world" posture to explore local histories, border dynamics, and regional connections within the Mekong region.
History & Context
The Thailand Biennale was established in 2018 as part of the Thai government's broader cultural policy initiatives to promote Thailand as a hub for contemporary art in Southeast Asia. The biennale emerged during a period when many Asian countries were developing their own international art events, reflecting Thailand's ambition to strengthen its cultural standing in the region and globally.
The decision to create a nomadic biennale that travels to different provinces with each edition was a strategic choice to support regional development through cultural tourism. This approach aligns with Thailand's "Art City" campaign, which aims to establish vibrant cultural centers throughout the country beyond Bangkok, the traditional focus of Thailand's art scene.
Inaugural Thailand Biennale launched in Krabi under the theme "Edge of the Wonderland," curated by Jiang Jiehong, featuring 57 artists from 25 countries
Second edition held in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) titled "Butterflies Frolicking on the Mud: Engendering Sensible Capital," curated by Yuko Hasegawa
Third edition in Chiang Rai themed "The Open World," with artistic directors Rirkrit Tiravanija and Gridthiya Gaweewong, showcasing 60 artists from 21 countries
Planned fourth edition to be held in Phuket, continuing the biennale's rotation through Thailand's diverse provinces
Notable Artists & Works
Throughout its editions, the Thailand Biennale has showcased works by renowned Thai and international artists who create site-specific installations that respond to the unique contexts of each host location. The biennale emphasizes diverse artistic practices, from large-scale environmental interventions to community-engaged projects, sound installations, and multimedia works.
Selected Featured Artists
Yang Zhenzhong (Krabi 2018)
"To Be or Not to Be" - An installation of ten inverted banyan trees planted along Kong Ka Pier, challenging natural laws and exploring urban-nature relationships.
Krit Ngamsom (Korat 2021)
"Queen Cat" - A metallic sculpture of a crouching, crown-wearing Korat cat, highlighting the region's native breed and exploring local folklore and animistic traditions.
Ernesto Neto (Chiang Rai 2023)
"Chantdance" - A web-like installation crocheted from recycled fibers with spice-filled gravity drops, creating an immersive sensory experience at Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park.
Video Documentary
Experience the Thailand Biennale through this video highlighting artwork installations and exhibition venues across various editions.
Exhibition Gallery
Instagram Feed
Follow the latest updates and artworks from the Thailand Biennale on Instagram.
Current Exhibition Venues
The Thailand Biennale, Chiang Rai 2023 is spread across multiple venues in Chiang Rai city and Chiang Saen district's Golden Triangle area. The map below shows the main exhibition sites for the current edition.